5 Common Workplace Accidents

Many of us think about being injured in a car accident. Or at home, or on a plane ride. But the truth is, many accidents happen at work. Which makes sense, seeing that many of us spend more time at work than we do at any other place, even at home. So, with all of the time we spend at work, it isn’t surprising that many of us are being injured at work.

There are many different hazards at work, and many different ways in which we are injuring ourselves at work.

Here are 5 common workplace accidents:

1. Slips, Falls, & Trips.

The most common workplace accidents are slips, falls, and trips. This form of accident is said to account for one third of all workplace accidents. Depending on what type of environment you are working in, some common causes of these types of accidents include falls from ladders and roofs, trips caused by slippery, damaged, or wet surfaces, or clutter, etc. This can even be as simple as slips and falls on flat surfaces.

2. Manual Activities.

Another common workplace accident is caused by what is called “manual activities.” This includes things like lifting heavy items, pushing or moving items, etc. This even includes injuries from overexertion, kneeling, squatting, etc. These types of accidents cause many back and muscle injuries, broken bones, etc.

3. Workplace Traffic Accidents.

Traffic accidents don’t just happen on the road. There are many traffic-related accidents in the workplace. In fact, traffic related accidents accounted for 41% of all fatal occupational injuries in 2011.

Workplace traffic accidents happen in work environments where there are vehicles or heavy moving equipment used within the workplace (think of a warehouse). These types of accidents include someone being hit by the vehicle, items falling from the vehicles, vehicles turning over or crashing, etc.

4. Electric Shock

Yet another common workplace accident are those caused by electrical shock. Electricians are the most at risk for these types of injuries, but anyone working in an environment with potential electricity hazards could be at risk. These include electrical zaps, shocks, burns, etc. These types of injuries can be very hazardous, in extreme cases even causing death.

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeroenketeleer/4584433629/

5.”Struck By” Accidents

Another common accident in the workplace is when someone is struck by something. This is when a person receives a strike from an object, or is his by a moving or flying object. This also includes impact from loud noises, causing injury to the eardrum.

Prevention is key!

With all of these types of workplace accidents, there is one important thing to note. Most of these types of injuries can be avoided! As an employer, it is important to put in the work to provide a safe, hazard-free work environment. As an employee, you can also work to prevent these types of workplace accidents. Make sure to notify your employer if you notice anything potential hazards in your workplace. Never assume that your employer is already aware, or that it is already being taken care of.